Development and Validation of a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Mobile Application for Teaching Physics to Biology Students

Authors

  • Selma Riyasni Universitas Negeri Padang
  • Widia Kemala Sari Pendidikan IPA, FMIPA, Universitass Negeri Padang
  • Hayyu Yumna Pendidikan Fisika, FMIPA, Universitas Negeri Padang
  • Serli Ahzari Pendidikan Fisika, FMIPA, Universitas Negeri Padang
  • Intan Purnama Yani Pendidikan Fisika, FMIPA, Universitas Negeri Padang
  • Putri Nabila Pendidikan Fisika, FMIPA, Universitas Negeri Padang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59329/gawi.v6i2.326

Keywords:

Design Research, Mobile App, Physics for Biology, Problem Based Learning, Problem-Solving Skills

Abstract

This research was motivated by the low problem-solving abilities of students in the Physics for Biology course (preliminary analysis showed a score of only 43%) and the limited availability of learning resources that contextually connect physics concepts with biological phenomena. This study aimed to develop a valid and practical Physics for Biology mobile application based on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as an innovative learning medium. This study employed a design and development study adapted from the Plomp model. The study was limited to the Preliminary Research and Development or Prototyping phases. The developed application was evaluated through expert review, one-to-one evaluation, and small-group evaluation to determine its validity and practicality. Research data were collected through initial ability tests, needs questionnaires, expert review sheets to assess the validity of content, constructs, language, and media presentation, and lecturer and student feedback questionnaires to assess practicality. The expert review results indicated that the developed mobile application was classified as highly valid, with an average Aiken's V score of 0.88. Practicality testing through one-on-one and small group evaluations indicated it was categorized as highly practical, with scores of 84% and 85%, respectively. In conclusion, the developed PBL-based Physics for Biology mobile application has met the criteria for validity and practicality, making it suitable for use as a supporting learning medium in lectures. However, the application's effectiveness in improving students' problem-solving skills still requires further testing through field trials.

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Published

10-10-2026

How to Cite

Selma Riyasni, Sari, W. K., Yumna, H., Ahzari, S., Yani, I. P., & Nabila, . P. . (2026). Development and Validation of a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Mobile Application for Teaching Physics to Biology Students. Gawi: Journal of Action Research, 6(2), 361–376. https://doi.org/10.59329/gawi.v6i2.326

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